“We are also working with Joint Task Force West to conduct patrol so that we can also verify in any areas of West Philippine Sea kung saan sila,” he added.

On July 31, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said in his Twitter account that a diplomatic protest was fired off after National Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said that 113 Chinese fishing vessels were monitored off Pag-asa Island on July 24 to 25.

“I have recommended diplomatic action in regards to that,” Esperon said during a Kapihan sa Manila Bay on July 31. “I have recommended diplomatic action in regards to that.”